Mobile Applications for COVID-19: A Scoping Review of the Initial Response in Canada

Abstract

Background: The rapid outbreak of Coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) originating in Wuhan, China, and the subsequent declaration of a state of “pandemic” on March 11, 2020 has necessitated a widespread global response to manage and control the transmission, spread and impact of COVID-19. Mobile technology has been leveraged in a number of ways to control the spread of COVID-19, including to support knowledge translation. Mobile applications are accessible, acceptable, easily adopted, and have the ability to support social distancing efforts. The following review assesses the mobile applications currently available to address COVID-19 and seeks existing studies in the literature that evaluate such applications. Methods: 3 databases (Embase, Web of Science and PubMed), 2 application stores (GooglePlay and Apple’s App Store) and google search engine were searched from inception until April 05, 2020 using key words and search strings to identify relevant apps and/or literature. Reviews of the obtained results were examined by two reviewers in double-blind nature and assessed for inclusion or exclusion. Results: 36 studies, 72 websites and 312 mobile-based applications were identified through searches. 14 applications met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Additional eHealth tools identified through the search strategy were considered for supplemental analysis (including online dashboards and applications not available through application stores).Conclusion: This review provides a brief assessment of the goals of applications addressing COVID-19, the types of approaches being used by these applications, and draws conclusions on the needs not being met by such application-based interventions. Innovation and collaboration between government, healthcare organizations and application developers is needed to address the identified gaps and facilitate the successful harnessing of mobile applications in the management of COVID-19.

A Review of Mobile Applications Available in the App and Google Play Stores Used During the COVID-19 Outbreak

“…Several studies have reported similar findings, and they suggested that the majority of apps were focused on contact tracing and were available on both Android and iOS platforms. 15,37,38,59 In addition, a few applications such as Mawid, Sehha, Aarogya Setu and PathCheck provided online consultations, facilitating the practice of social distancing and home quarantine procedures, and ensuring continuity in delivering healthcare services for various conditions/diseases. It should be noted that launching different apps for different services such as consultation, awareness (information), contact tracing and travel permits may confuse citizens and create ambiguity over the use of applications for COVID-19.…”

“…12 Consequently, various countries have developed mobile health applications to improve the delivery of healthcare services to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus during the COVID-19 pandemic. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] It is pertinent to point out that in general several of these studies are related to the present investigation. For example, one study indicated that more than 2 million of participants used a free smartphone-based app to report potential symptoms of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom and the USA.…”

“…14 Alike, a literature review identified the COVID-19 apps accessible in Canadian application stores at the start of the pandemic. 15 Also, the apps on COVID-19 launched between April 18 and May 5, 2020 in the USA were examined by Ming et al 20 Likewise, a study investigated the COVID-19 apps used in India. 19 Furthermore, Davalbhakta et al conducted a literature review to detect the COVID-19 apps used in the United States, United Kingdom, and India.…”

“…21,22 It is pertinent to mention that most of the studies focused on the goals and approaches of developing mobile applications, quality, and technology advances were conducted in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. 15,16,20,22,23 As there is a rapid progression in the nature of the pandemic, with new symptoms and cases, and new emerging technologies, there is a need for a worldwide regular review of mobile applications. Although there are studies focused on the analysis of the features and functionalities, their evaluations are restricted to the general features of the apps such as usability and ease of use, but did not include COVID-19 specific functionalities and features.…”

“…17,18 In general, there is a limited research evaluating the mobile applications used for the COVID-19 outbreak. 15,17 submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.com…”